How to Repair Storm Windows

Keeping your storm windows in perfect condition is one way to ensure that you are protected against cold weather, especially during the winter. Most homeowners start repairing their storm windows during the fall, when they can easily work outside on the windows. With some basic materials, you can repair your own storm windows and be ready for the next winter season.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Window glazing
• Stiff-bristle brush
• No. 0000 steel wool
• Silicone lubricant
• Dry cloth
• Chisel
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paintbrush
• Galvanized metal primer
• Siliconized exterior latex caulk
• Caulking gun
• 100% acrylic-latex exterior trim paint

Instructions

1. Remove the storm window sash by starting with the glazing at the sides of the window. Remove the screws at the corners of the window frame using a screwdriver.

2. Apply 1-1/6 inch of new glazing to the glass and press it back into the frame. Make sure that there are no gaps between the glass and the frame.

3. Remove the storm sash. Clean the channels using your stiff-bristle brush. Clean the dirt outside the window frame with No. 0000 steel wool.

4. Spray silicone lubricant on a dry piece of cloth and wipe it on the sides of the storm sash. This will allow the sash to dissolve aluminum oxidation and to slide more easily when you open or close the window.

5. Reinstall the storm sash by screwing it back to the corners of the window.

6. Remove any dried or old caulk along the sides of the window frame using a chisel. Get a dry piece of cloth and slightly dampen it with rubbing alcohol to use for cleaning. Wipe the cloth around the widow frame to remove any dust on the surfaces.

7. Apply galvanized metal primer to the surface of the window using a paintbrush. Let the first coat dry for at least two hours before applying a second coat on the areas that are not fully coated. Leave it to dry for another two to three hours.

8. Caulk the perimeter of your storm window with siliconized exterior latex caulk using your caulking gun. Let the caulk cure for two to three hours.

9. Apply two coats of exterior trim paint to the window frame using your paintbrush. Let each coat dry for at least three hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear gloves to protect your hands while removing the storm sash.

References

• National Park Service: Department of the Interior: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
• National Trust for Historic Preservation: Weatherization Tips and Strategies